tourism in british columbia

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British Columbia

Visitors to Canada's westernmost province should pack a long list of superlatives to deploy here; the words 'wow,' 'amazing' and 'spectacular' will only go so far. Luckily, it's not too hard to wax lyrical about the mighty mountains, deep forests and dramatic coastlines that instantly lower heart rates to tranquil levels.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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Stanley Park

One of North America’s largest urban green spaces, Stanley Park is revered for its dramatic forest-and-mountain oceanfront views. But there’s more to this…

Takakia Lake at sunset, Moresby Island, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve & Haida Heritage Site

Haida Gwaii

This huge Unesco World Heritage site encompasses Moresby and 137 smaller islands at its southern end. It combines a time-capsule look at abandoned Haida…

Sea to Sky Gondola

Sea to Sky Gondola

Squamish & Around

On a warm summer’s evening, with a 7.5km ascent under your belt and a pint of craft beer on the table in front of you, there are few better places in…

tourism in british columbia

Bowron Lake Provincial Park

Forming a natural circle with sections of the Isaac, Cariboo and Bowron Rivers, the park's 116km canoe circuit (permits $30 to $60) is one of the world’s…

Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens

Vancouver Island

Far more than just another pretty flower arrangement, Butchart is a national historic site and a triumph of early-20th-century gardening aesthetics. With…

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

One in a magnificent seven of BC national parks, Pacific Rim is replete with wave-whipped beaches and brooding forests, most of them far from civilization…

Garibaldi Provincial Park

Garibaldi Provincial Park

This 1950-sq-km park is justly renowned for hiking trails colored by diverse flora, abundant wildlife and panoramic vistas. Summer hikers seem…

Totem poles, Totem park, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Royal BC Museum

Arguably the finest museum in British Columbia and carrier of a ‘royal’ prefix since 1987, Victoria’s flagship sight mixes the cream of BC’s provincial…

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tourism in british columbia

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May 26, 2023 • 3 min read

When she was 21 Beth Lewis went solo camping in the wilderness of British Columbia – and felt only truly at home after a nocturnal encounter with a bear.

JUN 18, 2016: First Nation (Native) dancers performing at the Victoria Aboriginal Cultural Festival at the Royal BC Museum in the heart of downtown Victoria.

Sep 8, 2020 • 7 min read

old growth forest in Cathedral Grove MacMillan Provincial Park Vancouver Island British Columbia Canada

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Lighthouse on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

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The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

24 Best Places to Visit in British Columbia

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 19, 2024

British Columbia is Canada’s four-season playground. With mild winters and balmy summers, BC is filled with beautiful places to visit from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast it has an endless supply of outdoor adventures, world-class vineyards, and beautiful scenery. If you are planning a trip to Canada’s West Coast, these are the best places to visit in British Columbia to add to your travel bucket list.

We’ve been lucky enough to have lived in British Columbia and even though we aren’t BC residents anymore, we make a point of going back regularly. In fact, I think we travel more to British Columbia now that we don’t live there anymore. We have explored all corners of the province and these are some ideas to spark your wanderlust to explore Canada’s West Coast.

Table of Contents

Places to Visit in British Columbia

best places to visit in british columbia map

1. Vancouver

best places to visit in british columbia where to stay

Vancouver is one of the best cities in Canada that offers the perfect blend of urban and outdoor adventures. When planning your travels to British Columbia, chances are you will start in Vancouver . This beautiful city has everything you would want in an urban center yet, it is filled with outdoor activities. Stanley Park is home to the famous sea wall that is perfect for cycling and hiking. There’s the Vancouver Aquarium which is a top attraction in Stanley Park and there are plenty of walking trails, a marina, and the Stanley Park Totem Poles.

Granville Island is a not to miss destination in Vancouver with art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and exhibits on a bustling island in the heart of the city.

Read More About Vancouver

  • Where to Stay in Vancouver – Best Hotels & Vacation Rentals By Area
  • 26 Best Things to do in Vancouver, BC

2. Whistler

best places to visit in british columbia whistler

It’s Canada’s winter destination, but Whistler is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia in summer too. Make your way to Whistler Village to enjoy the great outdoors of the coastal mountains. Home to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Whistler is an outdoor lover’s playground with World Cup ski hills, a bobsleigh track, and endless cross country ski trails.

In the summer, there’s fantastic hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing and Whistler Village is a year-round retreat filled with restaurants, cafes, and plenty of activities.

Read More About Whistler

  • 30 Awesome Things to Do in Whistler, BC
  • Snowmobile Whistler – Into the Backcountry, We Go
  • First on the Mountain – Fresh Tracks in Whistler
  • Everything You Need to Know to Go Skiing in Whistler

3. Squamish

best places to visit in british columbia squamish

Located between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is often overlooked as a quick stop on the Sea to Sky highway road trip, but this town is worth spending a few days. It’s a rock climbing Mecca with professional climbers flocking to tackle the Squamish Chief (Stawamus Chief Mountain ).

The Britannia Mine Museum is a fascinating walk through time and there are plenty of waterfalls and hiking trails and whitewater rafting around Squamish. If you don’t want to hike or climb to the top of Squamish Chief, you can take the Sea to Sky Gondola up for high views of Howe Sound, where you can test your nerves by crossing the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. There’s excellent dining and Squamish is one of the best places in British Columbia to see bald eagles.

  • 14 Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC
  • Vancouver to Whistler – Best of the Sea to Sky Highway

4. Sunshine Coast

best places to visit in british columbia sunshine coast

This drive up the rugged and remote stretch of the BC coast is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. The Sunshine Coast is located north of Vancouver along the Straight of Georgia. Located on the mainland of BC, one would think it is an easy drive, but the only way to access the Sunshine Coast is by taking a ferry, helicopter, or plane. Taking the ferry from Horseshoe Bay transforms you to one of the most beautiful coastlines in BC.

As you drive north, you’ll come into Gibsons Landing, home to the filming location of the legendary Canadian TV Show, the Beachcombers before you begin the drive up to Lund where you can jump on excursions to Desolation Sound. The Sunshine Coast is also known for some of the best mountain biking in British Columbia.

Read More About The Sunshine Coast

  • Ultimate Things to do on A Sunshine Coast Road Trip

4. Desolation Sound

best places to visit in british columbia desolation sound

Lund is the jumping-off point for Desolation Sound and it is easy to book tours from the  Lund Resort at Klah a Men  or from Terracentric Coastal Adventures in the Marina. From here you can go out to Hernando and Savory Island which are known as the Hawaii of the North thanks to its sandy beach and Major Rock which is home to a colony of sea lions and to see a large colony of sea birds as well.

It is easy to book water taxis to the islands around Desolations Sound. Prices start at $12 per person one way.  Check rates and times here. Or if you want a real adventure, you can hike all the way up to Desolation Sound as part of the Sunshine Coast Trail.

If you visit Lund, a great place to stay in the   Lund Resort at Klah ah men . This boutique resort is the first of fully-run Indigenous resort on the Sunshine Coast and it was named the Most Outstanding Indigenous Accommodations by Indigenous Tourism of Canada.

6. Okanagan Valley

best places to visit in british columbia okanagan valley

The Okanagan Valley is one of Canada’s premier wine-producing regions. Located in Southern British Columbia, it is a year-round vacation destination. It’s also one of the premier places in Canada to retire. Consisting of Kelowna and Penticton and Vernon BC, there are plenty of things to keep you busy as you explore this expansive valley that is 200km long and 20 km wide. Okanagan Lake is the main lake of the region.

Considered the fruit basket of British Columbia, there are plenty of vineyards and fruit farms that grow cherries, plums, pears, peaches, and apples. Read more about this region on Best British Columbia Road Trip – Vancouver to Revelstoke

best places to visit in british columbia kelowna

One of our favourite cities to visit in the Okanagan Valley is Kelowna.  This town not only has a glorious wine scene but there’s also a fabulous food scene, distilleries, and outdoor activities galore. One of the best things to do in Kelowna is to hike or cycle the Kettle Valley Railway trail at Myra Canyon.

The trestle bridges of the Kettle Valley Railway in Myra Canyon offer one of the most spectacular views in British Columbia, let alone the Okanagan Valley. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail itself runs from Hope to Castlegar and is actually 650-kilometers long, but the most beautiful views are located just outside of Kelowna in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park.

Located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, there are plenty of watersports in the summer and you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis to explore the gorgeous scenery from the beach in downtown Kelowna. Read more at Best Things to do in Kelowna British Columbia

8. Penticton

best places to visit in british columbia penticton

Another major city in the Okanagan Valley, Penticton should also be added to your list of places to visit in British Columbia. Surrounded by mountains and located between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, Penticton is a nature lover’s dream. This lovely Okanagan Valley city has lakeside promenades, beaches, hiking trails, and skiing at nearby Apex Mountain. Apex was the first place Dave and I went skiing in British Columbia. Like Kelowna is in the heart of wine country with vineyards and orchards to visit nearby. Watch our flight over the beautiful countryside.

9. Kamloops

best places to visit in british columbia kamloops

When looking for places to visit in British Columbia, Kamloops doesn’t pop at the top of mind, but it is a popular stop on the Rocky Mountaineer so many people may have heard of it. As with so many places in British Columbia, Kamloops has plenty of outdoor activities and it should definitely be added to your list. Stay at the Sandman Signature Hotel on the waterfront.

Another nature-lovers escape, Kamloops has everything you could want to get outside. Hiking through its desert-like valleys is a unique experience with Hoodoos and sandstone canyons lining the way. There are 100 lakes nearby, endless hiking and biking trails and you can learn about BC wildlife at the Wildlife Park which rescues and rehabilitates local wildlife. Check out more at The Rocky Mountaineer Experience – Vancouver to Banff

10. Revelstoke

best places to visit in british columbia revelstoke

Revelstoke is often overlooked for Whistler, but this mountain playground is a great alternative to the more popular ski resorts of British Columbia and Alberta . Revelstoke Mountain Resort houses North America’s longest vertical descent at 1713m (5,620 feet) and has some of the best ski conditions in Canada with an average of 10.5 meters (34 feet) of powder each winter. Make sure to stay at The Sutton Place Revelstoke Mountain Resort right in the village next to the hills for optimal adventure and luxury in Revelstoke.

While Revelstoke is known for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding, it is also an amazing place to visit in the summer too. Revelstoke Mountain Resort has adventures for everyone from downhill mountain biking, hiking, an aerial adventure park, and a mountain coaster. But there are plenty of things to do in downtown Revelstoke with an aspiring food scene, shopping, museums, and outdoor adventures in Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Read more about Revelstoke

  • The Best Things to do in Revelstoke, BC – Besides Skiing
  • Best British Columbia Road Trip – Vancouver – Kelowna – Revelstoke
  • 15 Top Ski Resorts in Canada For Winter Fun

11. Glacier National Park

Yes, Canada has its own Glacier National Park and it is located near Revelstoke National Park. Located just 35 minutes from Revelstoke, you can tick off two Canada National Parks while making a base in Revelstoke. It is a year-round adventure paradise. One thing not to miss in Glacier National Park is to hike the Canadian Pacific Railway Line. The Rogers Pass Discovery Centre is a national historic site that has a replica of a historic railway building with a theatre, and an avalanche exhibit and you’ll also learn about the history and wildlife of the area.

12. Yoho National Park

best places to visit in british columbia yoho. national park

British Columbia is blessed with parks and wide-open spaces and Yoho National Park is another beautiful place to visit in BC. Located in the Canadian Rockies, it offers exceptional hiking and biking and stunning scenery with crystal clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Yoho National Park creates a Rocky Mountain triangle with Kootenay National Park to the south and Banff National Park to the East in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canadian Rocky Mountains Park. Check out: Where to Stay in Banff, The Best Areas

The top sights to see here are the natural bridge, emerald lake, Wapta Falls, and Burgess Shale Fossil Site. As with all of the national parks in Canada, you can go camping in the backcountry (with a permit). Permits and passes can be purchased at Parks Canada. One of the more unique things to do at this Canadian National Park is taking a guided fossil hiking tour to see the fossil remains of an ancient sea. Read: The Rocky Mountaineer Experience – Vancouver to Banff

13. Kootenay National Park

Another place to visit nearby is Kootenay National Park. Joining Yoho National Park with Banff National Park this trio makes up the UNESCO-designated Canadian Rockies. Located in the town of Radium, it is snuggled alongside the Alberta border. It’s known for its abundance of hot springs. (including Radium Hot Springs where you can enjoy the hot pools in luxury) and abundance of wildlife. A highlight of Kootenay National Park is Marble Canyon where you can hike through the narrow gorge.

14. Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park

best places to visit in british columbia nelson

We can’t leave out British Columbia’s Provincial Parks and this Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is one of the oldest provincial parks in Canada. Located in Southeastern British Columbia, it houses two glaciers, Kokanee and Woodbury that feed 30 lakes including Kootenay Lake. Located in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is unique in the fact that most of the park sits above  1,800 meters in elevation. Be prepared when visiting this provincial park, with the high elevation, weather conditions can change frequently.

Make a base in the city of Nelson, British Columbia where you’ll be able to view the peaks of the Kokanee glacier from downtown. Located on the shores of Kootenay Lake, Nelson is a historic downtown is filled with restored heritage homes helping to contribute to it being referred to as the Queen City.

15. Fraser Canyon – Hells Gate

places to visit in bc fraser river

When taking the Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies from British Columbia to Alberta, our train journey weaved along the Fraser River through Fraser Canyon. This was our first time witnessing Hells Gate in Fraser Canyon. Located in the heart of Gold Rush country, Hell’s Gate can be visited by taking a gondola down into the Fraser Canyon. The rapids of Hell’s Gate are furious with over 200 million gallons of water squeezing through the narrows of Fraser Canyon each minute. There are observation decks, a cafe, a suspension bridge, and a gift shop so it is well worth the visit.

Taking the Rocky Mountaineer was an amazing way to witness the stunning scenery of British Columbia while taking in its natural beauty from the comfort of a train.

best places to visit in british columbia hope tunnels

Hope was once famous for being the filming location of Sylvester Stallone’s First Blood, but what makes visiting this town in British Columbia worth it is the Hope Tunnels. The Othello Tunnels in hope are one of the top tourist attractions in interior BC. Similar to the Trestles of Kelowna, the tunnels of hope are a series of trestle bridges and tunnels cutting through the mountains. This was a feat of engineering as the 5 tunnels were blasted and built-in 1914. It is just a 3.5 km round trip, but completely worth stopping to see.

places to visit in bc tofino

Tofino has become someone of a magical destination in British Columbia. A surfer’s paradise, UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region is a biodiverse ecosystem with old-growth rainforests and dramatic coastlines. Its coastal beaches attract sun lovers and surfers in the warmer months and storm chasers in the winter.

Located just north of the Pacific Rim National Park Tofino’s sandy beaches stretch to wooden boardwalks and stairs winding through ancient, moss-covered cedar and hemlock trees, making you feel as if you’ve reached the end of the earth. Take a kayaking trip to Clayoquot Sound, learn to surf, or head out to view some of the spectacular wildlife. Take a whale watching tour to see as Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and Killer Whales, frequent these waters. You’ll see grey wolves, sea otters, black bears, and countless bird species.

18. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Speaking of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this is an adventure lovers’ playground. Located on Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park is home to the 100 sheltered islets of the Broken Group Islands and the famous 75-kilometer multi-day West Coast Trail this is the place to go for outdoor adventures. You can make a base in Tofino or Ucluelet, or you can head into the backcountry for camping, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Read more about adventures in the Pacific Rim at Kayaking to the Broken Group Islands – How to Survive as a Family

19. West Coast Trail

best places to visit in british columbia west coast trail

There are few epic trails that can compete with British Columbia’s West Coast Trail. It is Canada’s most iconic hiking trail and is on every hiker’s bucket list. The 75-kilometer (47-mile) backcountry trail is as rigorous as it is beautiful. During this multi-day trek, hikers need to carry everything in and out while climbing more than 100 ladders and navigating through waist-deep flowing rivers. If you want the ultimate hiking bragging rights, book a trip to the West Coast Trail. Reservations are mandatory at Parks Canada. Read more: Best Hikes in Canada to Add To your Bucket List

20. Victoria

best places to visit in british columbia victoria

The Capital City of British Columbia is located on Vancouver Island and is named after Queen Victoria with tudor-style buildings lining its waterfront. This beautiful city is British Columbia’s provincial capital but has a population of fewer than 100,000 people making it feel like a small town, with all the amenities you’d need. Victoria is one of the prettiest cities in Canada with the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel dominating the picturesque Inner Harbour.

Victoria is the second oldest city in the Pacific Northwest and here you can enjoy afternoon tea and feel like the royalty it was named after for a few hours. There is truly a historic feeling with the parliament buildings, Canada’s oldest China town, and the narrowest street in Canada. Its mild year-round temperatures have made Victoria a popular retirement destination for decades.

21. Vancouver Island

best places to visit in british columbia jug island

Despite its name, Vancouver Island is two hours away from the city by ferry and is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia. Vancouver Island is filled with gorgeous scenery. The two-hour journey features a ferry ride from the city and ends at the largest island on the Pacific Coast of North America. Must-see spots include Victoria, the Pacific Rim National Park in Tofino (also great for surfing), and the impeccable Butchart Gardens.

Book this  Vancouver to Victoria tour   that includes a ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia and through the Gulf Island to Vancouver Island to explore the beautiful Butchart Gardens followed by a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria. Butchard Gardens is a 55-acre garden where you’ll be able to peruse its Italian Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and nearly 1000 plan varieties.

22. Barkerville Historic Town

best places to visit in british columbia panning for gold

While Dawson City in the Yukon may be the most famous Gold Rush Town in Canada, Barkerville Historic Town is another legendary historic town that you must visit in British Columbia. There are 125 heritage buildings that transport you back to the 1800s. This Canadian National Historic Site is a fun place to visit spread across more than 1000 acres. Actors and street performers dressed in historic costumes walk the streets putting on performances and storytelling presentations. There is accommodation and camping nearby so you can make a weekend out of it!

23. Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands)

Located off the coast of British Columbia, Haida Gwaii was briefly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. After the 2010 Haida Gwaii Reconciliation Act, they were changed from the colloquial Queen Charlotte Islands to their traditional name for the people who have inhabited these islands for 2000 years.

Haida Gwaii is a system of 150 remote islands in the Pacific Ocean that take you well off the beaten path. Haida Gwaii is a wildlife lover’s dream with an abundance of bald eagles inhabiting the islands. They are often called the Galapagos of the north with unique wildlife species endemic to the islands. From whale watching to indigenous experiences, this is a destination in BC that is not to be missed.

24. Great Bear Rainforest

best places to visit in british columbia great bear rainforest

British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest is a massive chunk of land lining the Pacific Ocean for 400 km up the west coast of BC. This is one of the premier places to go on a grizzly bear safari. The annual salmon run from August to September is the best time to visit the Great Bear Rainforest for grizzly viewing and there are several companies that offer adventures from Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Prince Rupert. There is whale watching in the Great Bear Rainforest as well with Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago being one of the best places in the world to see orcas. This area has an abundance of wildlife and you’ll also be able to witness bald eagles in their natural habitat.

So there you have it from the Pacific Ocean to the Canadian Rockies, these are some of the best places to visit in British Columbia. BC is a massive province with an area larger than France and Germany combined. It could take a lifetime to see it all, but that is all the more reason to visit British Columbia again and again. Where should we go next?

Read more about British Columbia

  • Best Things to do in Kelowna British Columbia
  • 14 Best Hikes in Vancouver to Enjoy the Great Outdoors

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British Columbia Travel & Tourism

BC Travel and Tourism Information

Bc destinations, bc getaways, bc accommodations, things to do in bc, bc arts, culture & heritage.

The top 10 attractions in British Columbia

Sky Pilot Bridge, Sea to Sky Gondola

Things to do

From the rainforest to mountain tops and the cities in between, British Columbia is full of wonders sure to leave you breathless.

Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens

You don't have to love flowers to enjoy the Butchart Gardens External Link Title in Victoria. The gardens are home to fine dining opportunities, complete with local ingredients and wines. They host local art and entertainment, as well as Saturday night fireworks in the summer and Christmas lighting and an outdoor ice rink in the winter. Tour the surrounding waters and get a sense of the garden's history in an eco-friendly boat. Or, stay on land and visit the beautiful, bronze and granite dragon fountain gifted by the People's Republic of China and the City of Suzhou. And yes, if you do enjoy flowers, the 55-acre site has world-renowned floral displays. Breathe in that garden smell.

The Sea-to-Sky Gondola

Sea-to-Sky Gondola

Squamish is often called the outdoor recreation capital of Canada, and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola External Link Title fits right in with that nickname. The 10-minute gondola ride provides breathtaking views of Howe Sound, the surrounding mountains and forest. You'll be glued to the windows, taking in rock climbers on their way up the Squamish Chief, or the unique views of Shannon Falls. The top of the mountain might signal the end of your ride, but it's really the start of your adventure. Take in the views from three incredible lookouts, enjoy hiking and walking trails, go rock climbing and, if you dare, walk across the 328-foot high Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

Royal BC Museum

Royal BC Museum

Walk through Victoria in the 1920s, see a woolly mammoth in its habitat, and learn about the ceremonial masks of local First Nations, all under one roof. The natural and human history of British Columbia is permanently on display at The Royal BC Museum External Link Title in Victoria. The museum strives to not only display its collection of artifacts and items--all 7 million of them--but to immerse them (and you) in a realistic setting. If you really want to learn about the province as you experience it, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more fitting attraction.

Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Whistler Blackcomb

In 2010, the eyes of the world turned to Whistler Blackcomb External Link Title as an official venue of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. While the games have come and gone, everything else is still here! Sitting right next to each other you have two mountains absolutely covered in ski and snowboard runs for all skill levels, from glacier riding to bunny hills. When the lengthy ski season comes to a close, people trade in their boards for bikes and hikes. To relax after a day on the mountain, or relax without ever hitting the mountain, spend your day at the spa and end the night at one of the awesome local restaurants. But if you're only going to do one thing, make it the Peak 2 Peak Gondola External Link Title . Look down 1,427 feet through a glass floor while riding the record-setting longest gondola in the world, which spans 2.7 miles between the two mountains.

Victoria Harbour

Victoria's Inner Harbour

Victoria's Inner Harbour is a hive of activity year round. The harbor was once used by local First Nations to launch their canoes. Today yachts, small cruise ships, and ferries have since come to call the area home. You can rent a kayak, sign up for a whale watching tour, or hop in a float plane all from the harbor. On dry land, kill an hour watching musicians, performers, and artists as you walk along the waterfront, or visit the near-by legislative buildings External Link Title and historic Fairmont Empress Hotel External Link Title . Best of all, you can actually take a ferry into the Inner Harbour directly from Washington, via Port Angeles, Bellingham or Seattle.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Beaches, rainforests and rocky islands form the incredible Pacific Rim National Park Reserve External Link Title . The 197-square-mile park really captures every setting that has come to characterize the Pacific Coast. Walk barefoot along the 10-mile Long Beach, or don a wetsuit and try your hand at surfing. Or fill your backpack with a week's worth of supplies and head out through the rainforests, cliffs, waterfalls and caves of the 47-mile West Coast Trail External Link Title . Listen to the mythology of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and then trace that history under the canopy of giant Sitka spruce in the old growth forest. The Pacific Rim National Park is a Canadian treasure. 

Stanley Park at Dusk

Stanley Park

Stanley Park External Link Title is the icing on the metaphorical cake of downtown Vancouver. The 1,000-acre park provides a green escape from the urban setting, and is brimming with activities that you can take in year-round. Walk the famous Seawall for unparalleled views of the Burrard Inlet or head inland and marvel at the giant trees that still live in this preserved forest. Tan on one of the beaches in the morning and then play a round of pitch-and-putt in the afternoon. Stand beside the massive totem poles and learn about the First Nations that lived on this land. Or grab a lunch at one of several restaurants and head to the aquarium to spend the day. Stanley Park has been a star attraction for over 125 years. There's no stopping it now.

Granville Island

Granville Island

No, not only trolls live under bridges. Beneath a major bridge near downtown Vancouver you'll find a hotspot of dining, shopping and entertainment. Granville Island External Link Title is a buzzing community full of artisans creating unique gifts, passionate foodies sharing the fruits of their labor, and aspiring musicians perfecting their craft. There's always something happening on the island. You can stop in for a beer or you could spend the entire day browsing stores, treating your senses at the Public Market, and taking in the entertainment. Whatever you do, just don't skip it.

Capilano Bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Overcome your fear of heights in style, with the help of the 450-foot Capilano Suspension Bridge External Link Title , which hangs 70 meters above the rushing Capilano River. Once you've conquered the big bridge, the Cliffwalk -- a series of cliff side suspended and cantilevered walkways above the rainforest -- won't seem so daunting, right? And after those two experiences, the Treetops Adventure -- seven bridges suspended by 250-year-old Douglas firs 110 feet above the forest floor -- will really be a piece of cake. You get the picture. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is full of adrenaline-pumping attractions that immerse you in the beautiful outdoors. 

Vancouver Aquarium Sea Otters Tanu and Katmai Rafting

Vancouver Aquarium

Home to over 50,000 creatures, the Vancouver Aquarium External Link Title is what you might call an animal-lover's playground. From friendly sea otters to bright jellyfish, get up close and personal with wildlife from across the globe. Stop by and say hello Helen, a rescued Pacific white-sided dolphin. Or buy tickets to one of the After Hours External Link Title events and enjoy the aquarium with a drink in a hand and no kids running around. Oh, and don't forget to see if you can find Nemo.

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